Holiday Headache

As millions pack Florida roads, FHP to be out in droves

July 4, 2007|By Sarah Langbein, Sentinel Staff Writer

A middle-of-the-week holiday doesn't seem to be keeping people at home.

More than 2.3 million Floridians are expected to join 39 million Americans in traveling this Fourth of July, according to projections from the American Automobile Association. More drivers mean more congestion. And more congestion means there will be more chances for accidents.

The Florida Highway Patrol has upped its manpower by moving troopers from desk jobs to the streets. They're focusing their attention on impaired, speeding and aggressive drivers this holiday and keeping an eye out for people who aren't buckled up.

Additionally, they will be cracking down on drivers who stop in emergency lanes on area interstates and expressways to watch fireworks. It's illegal to stop there unless your vehicle is disabled, the FHP said.

"Driving is the most dangerous thing we do each day," said Trooper Kim Miller, spokeswoman for the FHP. She urged people to focus on their driving and take their time getting to their final destinations.

"You're not stressed that way," she said.

Orange County deputies will be watching traffic, too. Their holiday crackdown started earlier this week, using a deputy dressed as Uncle Sam to help catch speeders. The Sheriff's Office said it issued 186 tickets and made three arrests Tuesday when Uncle Sam and his helpers focused on red-light runners.

Last year, 48 people were killed in Florida traffic crashes over the holiday, and 55 percent of those were alcohol-related. Planning can also keep impaired drivers off the road.

If you don't have a sober driver lined up, AAA has teamed with Budweiser to provide intoxicated drivers and their cars a free ride home. The program, called Tow to Go, runs through Sunday and can be accessed by calling 1-800-AAA-HELP.

For those going to Orlando International Airport, Fourth of July is the slowest day of the week. An estimated 202,000 Floridians will take flight for the holiday, AAA said, and more than 70,000 people will go through OIA today.